Malaysia’s Brics trade rises 20.0 per cent in first half of 2026
Malaysia is targeting more exports of E&E goods, semiconductors and palm oil, alongside investment in green technology and cybersecurity.
Malaysia’s trade with Brics countries totalled RM481.02 billion for January to June 2026, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said in the Dewan Rakyat. This represented a 20.0 per cent increase against the corresponding 2025 figure of RM400.73 billion.
Lukanisman put exports for the period at RM181.40 billion, or 17.4 per cent above RM154.57 billion a year earlier. Imports stood at RM299.62 billion, rising 21.7 per cent against RM246.15 billion.
For 2025, trade between Malaysia and the grouping amounted to RM846.5 billion and represented 27.7 per cent of Malaysia’s worldwide trade. The annual value was 3.4 per cent higher than RM818.04 billion in 2024.
The deputy minister identified China, Indonesia and India as Malaysia’s biggest trading partners within Brics, together accounting for about 90 per cent of that trade. His remarks came in response to questions from Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee (PN-Beluran) about Malaysia’s participation as a partner country.
Lukanisman said Malaysia wants to sell more electrical & electronics (E&E) goods, semiconductors and palm oil through the Brics framework, while seeking green technology and cybersecurity investments. Other priorities cover agricultural cooperation, renewable energy transition projects and wider markets for tourism, education, healthcare and Islamic finance expertise.
He described Brics cooperation as complementary to Malaysia’s bilateral ties and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). He said it offers a route into countries without an FTA with Malaysia, naming Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Iran and Egypt. Cooperation also encompasses local-currency use, cross-border payments, logistics and technology transfers, he added.
